9. Local elections like school board and city council races really do have an impact on your daily life.

8. If you don't vote, you're not allowed to celebrate the Fourth of July. Honest.

7. Young people have the most to gain and lose in any election because they have to live with the consequences longer than anyone else.

6. If you vote and an adult you know doesn't, you can tease them about it forever.

5. With the Internet, it takes about a minute to get all the registration and voter information for your state.

4. At the polling location, you might get to finally meet that cute guy or girl you always see in your neighborhood. Plus, they'll be instantly impressed by your devotion to civic duty.

3. Every political issue and policy affects you whether you know it or not. If you don't vote, you're putting control of your world into the hands of someone else…and you have no idea where those hands have been.

2. The feeling of power you get after voting is a great rush.

1. Election Day is the one day each year when everyone in the U.S. is EQUAL. Your vote counts just as much as anyone else's.

Remember, there are always important elections right around the corner. It's never too late or too early to register. These Web sites will tell you everything else you need to know: